§363In Sacred Scripture the term "soul" often refers to human life or the entire human person.230 But "soul" also refers to the innermost aspect of man, that which is of greatest value in him,231 that by which he is most especially in God's image: "soul" signifies the spiritual principle in man.

§609By embracing in his human heart the Father's love for men, Jesus "loved them to the end", for "greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."425 In suffering and death his humanity became the free and perfect instrument of his divine love which desires the salvation of men.426 Indeed, out of love for his Father and for men, whom the Father wan…

§614This sacrifice of Christ is unique; it completes and surpasses all other sacrifices.441 First, it is a gift from God the Father himself, for the Father handed his Son over to sinners in order to reconcile us with himself. At the same time it is the offering of the Son of God made man, who in freedom and love offered his life to his Father through the Holy Spirit in reparation f…

2. But for what reason does He command this one to tell him of his fault, and not another? Because this man he would endure more quietly, this, who has been wronged, who has been pained, who has been despitefully used. For one does not bear in the same way being told by another of one's fault concerning him that has been insulted, as by the insulted person himself, especially w…

Source. Translated by J. Walker, J. Sheppard and H. Browne, and revised by George B. Stevens. From Nicene and Post-Nicene Fathers, First Series, Vol. 11. Edited by Philip Schaff. (Buffalo, NY: Christian Literature Publishing Co., 1889.) Revised and edited for New Advent by Kevin Knight. <https://www.newadvent.org/fathers/210230.htm>. Contact information. The editor of New Adven…

I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman. Calvin expounds the union of believers with Christ under the figure of the vine and branches. Apart from Christ we can do nothing — every branch that does not bear fruit is taken away, and every fruitful branch is purged. The disciples are chosen and appointed to bear fruit. The hatred of the world toward believers is not sur…

Is martyrdom an act of virtue? Of what virtue is it the act? The perfection of this act The pain of martyrdom Its cause Article 1. Whether martyrdom is an act of virtue? Objection 1. It seems that martyrdom is not an act of virtue. For all acts of virtue are voluntary. But martyrdom is sometimes not voluntary, as in the case of the Innocents who were slain for Christ's sake, an…

Does perfection bear any relation to charity? Can one be perfect in this life? Does the perfection of this life consist chiefly in observing the counsels or the commandments? Is whoever is perfect in the state of perfection? Are prelates and religious especially in the state of perfection? Are all prelates in the state of perfection? Which is the more perfect, the episcopal or …

What is Baptism? Is it a washing? The institution of this sacrament Is water the proper matter of this sacrament? Is plain water required? Is this a suitable form of this sacrament: "I baptize thee in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost"? Could one baptize with this form: "I baptize thee in the name of Christ?" Is immersion necessary for Baptism? Is tr…

The Synod rejects the errors of those who teach that Christ neither could die, nor had to die, nor did die for those whom God so dearly loved and chose to eternal life, since such people do not need the death of Christ. For they contradict the apostle, who says: "Christ loved me and gave himself up for me" (Gal. 2:20), and likewise: "Who will bring any charge against those whom…